Subhanshu Shukla space return: 18 days in orbit end today as Lucknow waits and NASA prepares a big comeback
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has completed all preparations for the splashdown. Global attention remains focused on this mission's completion, while back in Lucknow, Shukla's family eagerly awaits his return.
Family in Lucknow offers prayers for safe landing
Subhanshu's father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, expressed his happiness and said the family is prepared to welcome him back. 'The undocking is happening today. It is a matter of pride that the mission was successful. Everyone is waiting for his return,' he said. He also shared that the family offered prayers at home and in a temple for Shukla's safe return.
'We prayed to Lord Shiva for his blessings and safe landing. We are proud of our son. We never imagined he would reach such heights,' he added. The family is unsure when Subhanshu will return to Lucknow, as that depends on medical evaluations post-landing.
#WATCH | The Axiom-4 mission, featuring Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is set to undock from the International Space Station today, July 14th.In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, his father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, says, "We are very excited and are ready to welcome him. The undocking… pic.twitter.com/uDSjb9LPyM
Mother and sister reflect on emotions and national pride
Shukla's mother, Asha Shukla, said the whole family is excited about his return. 'It feels good to know he's coming back after 17–18 days. If it were up to us, we would have gone to meet him, but that's not possible,' she said. On a day significant for Lord Shiva, she and her husband visited a temple early in the morning and offered prayers for her son's safe re-entry.
Shukla's sister, Shuchi Mishra, said the emotions today feel just like the day he left for the mission. 'We prayed every day and thanked God. He sounded very happy when we last spoke. As a pilot and now a space traveler, he has probably seen a unique view of our beautiful country. There's no doubt—'Sare Jahan Se Accha Hindustan Hamara.'
With prayers and preparations complete, India now awaits a safe return as Subhanshu Shukla re-enters Earth after his space mission.
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